It was really my experience as a humorous speaker that led me to begin writing humor. I’m often invited to do entertaining talks at conferences and meetings. And for many years, I’ve been a member of Toastmasters, an organization where members practice their public speaking skills. After winning several humorous speaking contests, I typed up some of my speeches and submitted them to my local newspaper. The editor agreed to take me on has a humor columnist and from there I syndicated to other papers in the West and Midwest. Since then I’ve written four books of humorous essays. I grew up reading Erma Bombeck and I’m sure she was an influence. But a bigger one for me would probably be my very large family. I’m number nine of ten children. There were more children than chairs in my home. Large families naturally foster a sense of humor. Verbal jousting is a survival skill when you’re one of many. And my father was very funny. Making him laugh was my way of standing out in the crowd.    

Global winner in the 2022 Erma Bombeck Writers Competition, humor category

Two-time winner of First Place awards in the National Federation of Press Women-Communication Contest, Nonfiction Book for Adult Readers, Humor Category 2023, and 2021

Two-time winner of First Place awards in the National Federation of Press Women-Communication Contest, Communication Contest, Humor Column Category 2020 and 2015